Is Your Church Prepared?
Domestic Disaster Response: April 2024
Announcing Parish Preparedness Month!
This April, ARDF is focusing on Parish Preparedness for Disaster Response! Over the past two years, a frequently discussed subject has been how to prepare your church for natural disasters. We never know when disasters will strike, but a lack of expectation does not need to equal a lack of preparation.
Whether you are responding within your parish or sending aid to your neighbors, ARDF is gathering resources, training, and awareness tools to help you equip your congregation to serve in time of need. By focusing on preparedness in April of every year, ARDF's vision is that the church will be known as a resource for your congregation and a refuge for your community.
Will you join us?
The first step is to identify a Parish Disaster Response Coordinator.
Parish Coordinators help families and churches engage their communities through disaster response, often starting with small steps. Being prepared to help others starts at home, because when families and churches are prepared to face a natural disaster, they then have the tools necessary to reach out into their community when the need arises. Coordinators help to facilitate this preparation and inspire their people to get involved, encouraging a willingness to offer themselves in the smallest of ways. Ellie Peterson, Parish Coordinator, Resurrection Anglican Church, Minneapolis, MN, says one of her main priorities is catching and sharing a vision of loving others well. “It starts in your church, ministering to your own people, and then to your community and to your country. God, show us how to love better!”
A Parish Coordinator champions parish safety and emergency preparedness, gathering a group of like-minded individuals to focus on safety and disaster preparation. This person might be a first responder, veteran, or someone who has been trained in emergency response. Maybe you have volunteered with the Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, or another organization. Our churches have many experienced individuals in this field - it would be a blessing to utilize your gifts in service to others in time of need!
You are not alone!
Parish Coordinators are invited to join a monthly get together over zoom. We want you to be equipped with the materials you need so you can equip your congregations! Since no two churches are alike, each local expression will be different - but by coming together we can share stories, gain inspiration, receive training, and spur each other on in this good work! Watch for your invitation to join our first gathering in May!
Interested in becoming a Parish Coordinator, or know someone who is?
Don't hesitate to reach out! You can email Tommy Lamb, our Domestic Disaster Response Network Director, or fill out this webform. Stay tuned for more information in our May 2024 Disaster Response Newsletter.
Domestic Disaster Response Newsletter
Full of the latest domestic disaster response news, this is a great opportunity to hear about upcoming domestic mission trips and other ways local ACNA churches are helping their neighbors in times of distress. Sign up to receive the latest new here!
Come With Us!
We are very excited for more upcoming Disaster Response Mission Trips!
June 9-15, 2024 | Rolling Fork, MS | Tornado Response
August 11-17, 2024 | Rolling Fork, MS | Tornado Response
August 25-31, 2024 | Clarksville, TN | Tornado Response
September 1-7, 2024 | Clarksville, TN | Tornado Response
Visit our Domestic Disaster Response Webpage for specific details about these service trips. Sign up on our volunteer webpage!
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